When Ford replaces its full-size E-Series vans with the all-new Transit commercial van to the United States next year, it will come equipped with the same EcoBoost V-6 engine that has proven so popular in the Ford F-150. Like the F-150, the Transit van will use the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine for higher output and smaller displacement for its power, resulting in better fuel economy.
Currently 40 percent of all F-150s sold utilize the EcoBoost engine which is rated at 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Ford believes that should provide plenty of power for the Transit van while still delivering respectable fuel economy figures. Ford claims the next-generation Transit will fill the E-Series shoes without an issue, and will achieve 25 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. The better fuel economy figures are a byproduct of the Transit shedding 300 pounds before it makes its North American debut in 2013.
“The new Ford Transit commercial van will deliver all the capability and capacity that customers get with today’s E-Series, but with the bonus of improved fuel economy and potentially lower operating costs thanks to its available EcoBoost engine,” said Tim Stoehr, Ford Commercial Truck Marketing manager. “This engine has revolutionized the half-ton pickup segment for F-150 and we’re expecting it will have the same effect on commercial vans.”
Since offering the option of the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 last year, the rewards have quickly returned on Ford’s investment. The Ford F-150 was recently named the 2012 Truck of the Year by our colleagues over at Motor Trend. As mentioned earlier, 40 percent of all F-150s that leave the dealership have an EcoBoost engine under the hood as well. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine saw a lot of success in 2011 with more than 100,000 units sold.
The EcoBoost engine works thanks to a combination of turbocharging and an advanced fuel injection system. Known as “direct injection,” it sprays a fine mist of the fuel directly into the combustion chamber, creating optimal engine performance and fuel economy when compared to older fuel injection systems. This in turn makes the engine run stronger, cleaner, and faster.
As it stands now the Ford Transit is the best-selling van in Europe, and has sold over 6 million units across five continents since its inception in 1965. The Transit currently offers customers the ability to configure space for cargo, passengers, or both. In preparation for its launch next year, Ford is investing $1.1 billion in its Kansas City Assembly facility where the Transit will be built next to the F-150.
Source: Ford
